How I Was Kept In The Dark About Buhari’s Visit, Ohinoyi Replies Kogi Govt.

January 12, 2023

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim

The paramount King, Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim has responded to a query issued to him by the Kogi State Government, complaining about how he was kept in the dark and dribbled on the issues surrounding the official visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to his domain on December 29, 2022, to commission legacy projects of the State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

In a letter which was addressed to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, reference ETC/CHI/35/VOL 11/33, date January 6 and signed by the Ohinoyi himself, he said that there was no official letter informing him about the visit of President Buhari on December 29, 2022, to commission the governor’s legacy projects.

“It was only on the night of 28 December, 2022, you (referring to the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) visited me at about 9.10pm and informed me that Mr. President would be coming to Okene the following day to commission some projects, and that I should stay back in my Palace while the President will be coming to pay me a courtesy visit upon his arrival.

“On the 29^th of December, 2022 at about 8.15am, I received an unofficial copy of the visit programme of Mr. President and I noted that Mr. President was meant to commission the Ohinoyi’s Palace at 10.10am. This observation implied that Mr. President was to commission another Palace other than my current Palace that I have been occupying since I was coroneted in 1997.

“It is worthy to note that as the Paramount Ruler of Ebiraland, I have not been officially informed of the existence of any new Palace. I therefore prepared in compliance to your instruction to receive Mr. President as it is customary in our Tradition in our traditional institution and I quickly put together a memorium to present to him to appreciate his 2^nd visit to Okene since 1985, when he was received by HRH, the Late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alh. Sanni Omolori. I made an enlarged photocopy of the photograph of the visit close to the chair which I provided during the visit as attached.

“I had just concluded the preparations to receive Mr. President when I heard an earth moving bomb blast at the rear entrance to my Palace, close to the new Mosque across the street at 9.00am. While I was in the Palace ensuring that the casualties of the unfortunate incident were being attended to, I was informed that Mr. President had concluded his programme and departed to Lokoja. I also discovered that the main wall of the entrance to my Palace had been breached and all entrances to the Palace had been barricaded to make access to and fro impossible. I have been kept in the dark from the reception arrangements and necessary entertainment to welcome Mr. President on his second visit to Okene, and from extolling the pleasure of my dear people to receive him.

“I am not, and have no intention to “exhibit deliberate attitude and actions regarded as bringing Kogi State and Ebiraland in particular to grave disrepute and regarded therefore as quite unbecoming of a revered Royal Father of my status.”

“All allegations referred to in your letter, especially paragraphs 3 and 4 are very unfortunate and I regard the same unfair to my ripe experience and age, coupled to my candid Royal dignity, accepted here and in the world internationally.

“It is worth mentioning to enforce gratitude to His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, who have not seen me for sometimes now, to have informed Mr. President that I was unavoidably absent due to my ill health at his grand reception, while on the other hand a person unknown to me represented me and read out a welcome speech to Mr. President on my behalf, which was not sanctioned by me.

“Finally, in spite of the aforementioned points, it is noteworthy that since the unfortunate incident on the 29^th of December 2022, this letter of Query is the first communication, written or otherwise from any official of the State to me, without any commiserations or enquiries about the unfortunate bomb blast that led to the intended disruption of Mr. President’s programme, loss of lives of innocent Ebira people, massive damages on my Palace and rancor within my domain.

“Never the less, I will continue to reign over the good people of Ebira land with good conscience and conviction, as I have done throughout my reign.”

When contacted after receiving an image of the letter of Ohinoyi via Whatsapp platform, a senior title holder in the Ohinoyi’s Council, who would not like his name mentioned, said he would not release the letter to the press because it was strictly official.

When he was told that an image of the letter was already trending in social media, he expressed surprise, saying that the image of the letter did not emanate from the Palace.

The senior Traditional title holder later called to say that the stamp showing receipt of the letter by the office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was different from the one on the letter the Ohinoyi sent to the Commissioner.

Catholic Bishops Commend Buhari On Electoral Reforms, Want More Actions On Security

Editorial staff

January 12, 2023

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the far reaching electoral reforms his government had made but pleaded to him to take more proactive actions in the area of security in the country.

“We commend and congratulate you for the efforts the government has put into ensuring real improvement in our electoral system and processes, especially your signing into law the electoral bill.

“Please do not relent in making sure that INEC and other relevant agencies of government carry out their serious duties to conduct peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.”

Speaking today, when he led members of the Conference on a courtesy visit to President Buhari at the Presidential villa, Abuja, its President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, called on Buhari to use the remaining months in office as Commander-in-Chief to tackle insecurity in the country, and improve the economy.

“The main crux of our message to you today is one of fervent appeal and strong encouragement. Your tenure of two terms as President, Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria, is drawing to an end. “But we believe a lot can be done to turn things around for the better in the about four months left of your presidency before you step down in May 2023.

“We have seen some signs that the government is not entirely incapable of tackling the sad state of insecurity in the land, which has consumed thousands of innocent Nigerians across all religions, creed, and ethnic groups.”

Responding, President Buhari promised that the gains recorded in security will be further consolidated, and more attention will be given to the economy, before handing over on May 29, 2023.

He said that the security situation had improved over the years, particularly in the North East where the focus had shifted to rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education.

“I am very grateful for your visit to the Presidential Villa, and I agree with you on some of the observations you have made. The question of insecurity is most important to us because unless a country or institution is at peace, it will be difficult to manage.

“I just came back from Adamawa and Yobe States. During the visit to both states, I listened carefully to what the people and officials had to say. And they all said the situation had improved since 2015, especially in Borno State.

“Boko Haram was just fraudulent and a plot to destroy Nigeria. You can’t say people should not learn; the people need to grow intellectually.”

President Buhari told the Catholic Bishops that the government will continue rebuilding infrastructure in parts of the country affected by terrorist attacks, while underscoring that terrorists had no control over any space in Nigeria.

“Some people have acknowledged the difference.”

On the economy, the President said that creditors had full confidence in Nigeria, with the capacity to utilize resources and repay loans before the approvals were granted.

“We are credible, that’s why the countries and institutions agreed to support our development with the loans.”

The President said that the destruction of oil facilities slowed the generation of revenues, and the government would be harder on saboteurs.

“If you look at the economy, we are trying hard to rely more on ourselves. Nigerians rely more on agriculture for livelihood, and we are putting in our best to enable more people, and diversify.”

He said that some of the challenges faced in the past, which include coups and counter-coups, and civil war, had prepared the nation for survival.

“We thank God that Nigeria is still one,’’ he said. “We should not forget that more than a million died for the nation to survive.”

The President noted that he had been part of Nigeria’s history since 1967, fighting in the civil war, serving as governor, minister, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, before winning in 2015.

“We should thank God, and we should reflect on these things and thank God more.”

The Catholic Bishops presented a souvenir containing a letter of encouragement and prayers for the forthcoming elections, to President Buhari.

President Buhari Votes For Multi-Party System In Democracy

Editorial staff

January 11, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has examined his sojourned in the military as Head of State and his experience as civilian President and has settled for multi-party democracy as the best system.

The President spoke today, January 11 while playing host to a delegation of the Universal Peace Federation at the Presidential villa, Abuja

Buhari wondered why some African countries are still descending into the abyss of unconstitutional change of government.

“I thought we had finally put that behind us.”

On the Peace Summit being planned for Abuja, to bring all African countries together before the end of this administration, President Buhari pledged Nigeria’s support, “relative to resources, to help in stabilizing neighboring countries.”

He decried the problems in the Sahel belt of the continent, lamenting that it is of great concern, as it affects both agriculture and businesses negatively.

The President described the interest of Universal Peace Federation Africa in the continent as “quite genuine,” saying that he is very pleased at the development.

Chairperson of the Federation in Africa, Dr. Katherine Rigney and Chairman, Universal Peace Federation International, Dr. Thomas Walsh said that they believed the forthcoming summit in Nigeria will top them all, having held similar meetings in the past in Niger Republic, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, among others.

During the Abuja Summit, President Buhari will be given the Leadership and Good Governance Award, “as appreciation of the fantastic results you’ve brought to Nigeria, and a celebration of your anti-corruption credentials.

93.4 Million Nigerians Have Been Registered To Vote In February/March Elections – INEC

Editorial staff

January 11, 2023

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has confirmed that 93,469,008 voters have been registered nationwide to vote in the February/March 2023 general elections.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who spoke at a meeting with representatives of 18 political parties in Abuja today, January 11, said that 44,414,846 registered voters are females and 49,054,162 are males.

He said that out of the total registered voters, the number of young people between 18 and 34 stood at 37,060,399, representing 39.65% of the total registered voters while the elderly between the ages of 50 and 69 stood at 17,700,270, representing 18.94% of total registered voters.

According to him, every other arrangement is in high gear, including the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

The INEC chairman said that with the presentation of the voter register; the commission has successfully achieved 11 out of the 14 activities scheduled for the 2023 general elections.

He said that the INEC is not considering postponing the forthcoming election.

I Will Make Enugu Regional Manufacturing Hub – Asiwaju Tinubu

Editorial staff

January 11, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to make Enugu the manufacturing hub of Nigeria, saying that the state has what it takes to be the economic powerhouse of the country.

“I dream of an Enugu State where the intelligent, talented and hardworking citizens standing before me today have access to quality education, affordable healthcare, lucrative jobs and real opportunities.

“My industrial master plan encourages domestic manufacturers and producers. My administration will create the right business environment through lower import tariffs on the semi-manufactured inputs needed to increase manufacturing here. We will provide tax credits and reduce interest rate loans for businesses. Youth employment will be increased through employer credits and on-the-job training,” he added.

Speaking to party supporters at the presidential campaign rally in the state held at Michael Okpara Square today, January 11, Tinubu said that not only is the state blessed with mineral resources, it has a friendly climate good for national prosperity.

“Nothing will stop us if we are determined to make this state a regional hub of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.”

Tinubu praised the people of the state for also being very talented and showcasing this wherever they find themselves, stressing that if elected president, he would make the state an international export hub, while also making the state which houses one of the oldest football clubs in the country – Enugu Rangers – a tourism destination.

“Enugu is a richly endowed state with some of the most talented and able people you can find anywhere. You have an enlightened and progressive outlook. You are creative and inventive. You are not content with tomorrow being the same as yesterday.

“Incredible mineral resources lay at your very feet. These resources can fuel economic growth and recovery. Enugu has the largest deposits of coal nationwide. We cannot be afraid to put these deposits to use to fuel industries and light homes.

“The climate is sweet here. The soil is fertile. The state has the potential to be an agrarian powerhouse, producing and exporting an array of cash crops. This will increase our foreign reserves while raising the standard of living with better paying jobs.

“Let us not forget the progress that is the trademark of Enugu regarding the production, assembly and manufacturing of machinery. There is so much potential here. You are a beacon of hope, a lantern shining the way to a greater and better society.”

On security, the APC flag bearer said: “I am determined to solve insecurity at the state, regional and national levels. Citizens will no longer fear bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. I will increase our security forces, upgrade tactical communications and transportation, improve our surveillance and protection of critical places and facilities like marketplaces and roads. Those who seek to do harm will be tracked down and will know no rest until they change their violent ways.”

On the agitation for more control of resources and police by states, he added, “States need more authority and resources to spur grassroots democracy and development.

“States must have more of a say regarding law enforcement. State police and other measures will be explored,” he said.

Imo State Governor and South-East Coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign, Senator Hope Uzodinnma, urged Ndigbo to rethink their politics, saying the time has come to frontally confront the challenges of the South-east.

He said the people of the region needed a courageous leader who can take bold decisions and guarantee fairness and justice, adding that Asíwájú Tinubu is such a leader.

“We cannot follow a vehicle that has no tyre. Even when you push it, it’s going nowhere.”

Speaking in the same vein, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi who is also the Coordinator, South for the campaign, said Ndigbo must stand with the man who can win, stating that the people of the zone “should be obedient to APC and Jagaban and no one else.”

The rally was attended by the APC Deputy National Chairman, South, Barrister Emma Enekwu, who stood in for the Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of AkwaIbom, Senator Godswill Akpabio, former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole and APC National Woman Leader Beta Edu, party chieftains Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and Gbazuagu Nweze Gbazuagu among others.

Buhari Sends Bishop Kukah Rolling With Laughter In Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

January 11, 2023

Always not short of banters, President Muhammadu Buhari threw one at one of his critical government critics, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah today, January 11 when the later accompanied other Reverend Fathers on courtesy visit to the former at Aso Rock Presidential villa, Abuja.

Airtel Nigeria Acquires N146 Billion 5G Spectrum

Greenbarge Reporters

January 11, 2023

Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria) has acquired additional spectrum worth N146 billion from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which will enable the telco to roll out 5G services and further expand its existing services.

Airtel Africa Plc, the parent company of Airtel Nigeria, announced the acquisition in a regulatory filing at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

Airtel Africa’s share price rose by 5.16 per cent or N80 per share to close at N1,630 yesterday at the NGX. Airtel Africa is the largest quoted company at the stock market.

Airtel Africa stated that it purchased 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500MHz band and 2x5MHz of 2600MHz from the NCC for a gross consideration of $316.7 million, payable in naira.

With a presence in 14 countries across Africa, Nigeria is Airtel Africa’s largest market, with significant growth potential.

Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa Plc, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya said the additional spectrum will support the group’s investments in network expansion for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, including 5G rollout, providing significant capacity to accommodate continued strong data growth in the country and exceptional customer experience.

He noted that the company had led the industry in providing affordable 4G services across the country following the deployment of a fully modernised network which facilitated a four-fold increase in data traffic over the last three years.

According to him, the penetration of data customers in Nigeria remains low, providing significant opportunity for future growth.

“Nigeria is a market with enormous potential for future growth in mobile services. Investment in new technologies and local infrastructure to enable this growth is a strategic priority for the group and will ensure we are able to provide reliable and affordable services to local communities across the country.

“5G is critical to these ambitions, and we look forward to launching new services to drive further digitalisation across the country, facilitate economic progress and transform lives across Nigeria,” Ogunsanya said.

He outlined that the acquisition of 5G spectrum will underpin the group’s growth strategy by enabling the launch of higher speed connectivity to enhance customer service and accelerate digitalisation for consumers, enterprises and the public sector.

He listed the key benefits of 5G to include higher speeds, lower latency, significant network capacity as well as an improved user experience.

He pointed out that the deployment of 5G will accelerate the availability and efficiency of fixed wireless access products across the country, contributing towards Airtel Nigeria’s progress in meeting the National Broadband Plan targets.

He assured that the acquisition of 2600MHz spectrum will complement the group’s already strong spectrum position in the market to enhance network capacity and future-proof growth opportunity.

Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike From January 28; Write Minister

Editorial staff

January 10, 2023

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened a nationwide strike, if the federal government fails to meet up with their demands.

The association said in a letter to the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, signed by its president, Dr. Emeka Innocent Orji that if the issues are not resolved before its January 2023 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which is scheduled for January 24th to 28th, the strike will begin.

The letter reads: “Sir, our January 2023 National Executive Council meeting has been scheduled for January 24th to 28th, 2023, and we can confirm very clearly feelers that if these issues are not sorted out before that meeting, our members will likely give us a mandate to immediately kick-start processes that will lead to a nationwide industrial disharmony in the health sector.”

It would be recalled that, NARD had earlier issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government six months ago on account of lingering unresolved issues affecting its members, including the irregularities in the new circular on an upward review of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), outstanding payment of the arrears of the new hazard allowance, non-payment of the skipping arrears for 2014, 2015 and 2016, and non-payment of the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage to some of its members.

In addition, the delay in the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), salary arrears of its members in state tertiary health institutions running into several months, including Abia, Imo, Ondo, Ekiti and Gombe States, and non-domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) in most states across the federation.

The association however commended the efforts of government through its ministries, departments and agencies in resolving some of the issues raised, but that many of them remain largely unresolved and have now become sources of serious nationwide agitation threatening industrial peace and harmony in the health sector.

NARD said that the major ones amongst them are: “Omitted 2020 MRTF payment, irregularities in the new MRTF circular inconsistent with the Medical Residency Training Act, existing collective bargaining agreements and current economic realities and review of CONMESS salary structure.

“Sir, we know how critical this period is and the chaos that will ensue if the government does not take steps to prevent this from happening, and so we humbly implore you to use your good office to resolve these issues before our January NEC meeting. Sir, we trust in your fatherly disposition and believe that you will come to our aid and save this nation from this imminent industrial disharmony. ”

The association sent copies of the letter to the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary to the Government of Federation, Minister of Labour and Finance respectively, as well as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum( NGF) among many others.

Source: INDEPENDENT.

We’ll Make Sure 2023 General Elections Hold – DSS

Editorial staff

January 10, 2023

The Department of State Service (DSS) has assured that it will not spare any effort in ensuring that threats to national security and conduct of the 2023 polls are curtailed.

The spokesman of the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement today, January 10, said that the Service would create the enabling environment needed for the 2023 elections.

“We restate our unalloyed support to the President on his resolve to continue to confront head-on, threats to national security as well as create the enabling environment necessary for the 2023 general elections to hold.”

He said that the campaign of calumny targeting Service’s Director-General, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, his family and some key officials of the Service will be resisted.

Dr. Afunanya called on members of the public to ignore the ridiculous horseplay of disgruntled elements aimed at undermining the highly dedicated leadership and management of the Service.

”Also, some sections of the media have been briefed to implement the strategy through sponsored articles, commentaries and features to malign the DG, his family and select officials of the Service.

“The Service is monitoring developments and will allow the plotters to either exhaust themselves or rescind the plan of action. Otherwise, no amount of intimidation, harassment and blackmail will deter it from discharging its duties.

“However, it would not idly watch a group of dissatisfied gang to undermine the Service and its highly dedicated leadership and management.

“The DSS, therefore, wishes to inform the public to be wary of these tendencies and ignore the antics of dark forces out to impugn the character of the DG.”

Also, the nation’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm.

The Minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains resolute and unwavering in holding the elections scheduled for February 25 and March 11 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He gave the assurance at the 17th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari scorecard series in Abuja on Tuesday covered by Persecondnews.

Lai Mohammed also said the synergy between INEC and the various security agencies will ensure elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere.

“Let me use this opportunity to respond to inquiries from the media over a widely-circulated report, credited to an INEC official that the 2023 general elections face a serious threat of cancellation due to insecurity.

“The position of the Federal Government remains that the 2023 elections will be held as planned. Nothing has happened to change that position.

“We are aware that INEC is working wth the security agencies to ensure that the elections are successfully held across the country.

“The security agencies have also continued to assure Nigerians that they are working tirelessly to ensure that the elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere. Therefore, there is no cause for alarm,” the minister said.

I Was Deceived By Devil, Pastor Begs Mother Whose Daughter He Has Sex With

Editorial staff

January 10, 2023

A pastor at the Peculiar Generation Assembly Church, Lagos, Chris McDouglas has allegedly confessed to the mother of a 17-year-old girl of having been having sexual relation with her for three years.

The woman said that Pastor McDouglas had been having sex with her daughter at the back of his church and in different hotels on several occasions, adding that he had been doing that from 2017 up to 2020 in the guise of taking her out for gospel ministration.

The victim’s mother was led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, at the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Lagos State, on Monday.

According to her, when she confronted the defendant for defiling her daughter, he burst into tears and blamed it on the devil.

She said: “Pastor McDouglas will come to my house and ask my daughter to follow him for ministration so as to use her talent as a chorister to bless others.

“Unknown to me, according to my daughter, when he takes her out for ministration, he will branch in a hotel and have sex with her.

“When I confronted him with some leaders in the church, he said he was deceived by the devil and told me to forgive him.”

The witness, who gave evidence before Justice Ramon Oshodi, said she recorded her conversation as well as the defendant’s alleged confession on her phone.

“The pastor, whom I trusted so much with my family and saw as my spiritual father, entered my house anytime I was not around to have sex with my daughter.

“My daughter told me Pastor Mcdouglas would sneak into the house while I was not around, cover the curtains, cover her mouth and force himself on her.

“My daughter said when he sees that she wants to shout to attract our neighbours, pastor will bring out the fairly-used clothes that I sell and pretend to be selecting from it,” she added.

She stated that her daughter’s alleged sexual encounter with the defendant drove her (victim) into depression, which made her faint constantly.

The witness added that the defendant would come to the house and prayed for the girl whenever she fainted and also told them to sow seed to the church for her to stay alive.

She said: “I used my salary most times to sow seed on the instruction of Pastor Mcdouglas and my husband also gave him money to buy supplements for me.

“She said sometimes, the pastor will call her to his house to help wash his children’s clothes and ended up raping her in his house.

“He threatened my daughter that she would die if she told anyone about it.”

During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Mr. Suleiman Salami, the witness told the court that she had known the defendant for more than 12 years and that her husband had been outside Nigeria for 10 years.

She stated that the defendant used to collect money from her family and he did not offer financial help to her family.

The woman said she was a member of the ushering department, an administrative officer and a member of the building committee of the church but left the church in 2020.

She confirmed to the court that the survivor, who was her first daughter, was depressed from 2017 to 2020.

“My daughter is moody whenever she comes back from pastor’s house, which is inside the church.

“Pastor does not give me breathing space as he is always in my house.

“My daughter always faints anytime she comes back from ministration and pastor always gives her holy water to drink.

“This has affected my daughter as she always have suicidal thought because I once received a call from her school that she wanted to buy an insecticide,” she said.

Pastor McDouglas is standing trial on nine counts bordering on defilement, rape and sexual assault by penetration, preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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